Fernie DMO

Hotel Room Tax Implemented

In February of 2007 an Additional Hotel Room Tax (AHRT) of 2% was implemented across properties both within the City boundaries and in the Regional District. This funding is collected by accommodators from their guests and remitted to the Regional District of East Kootenay. The RDEK holds in trust the funding to be remitted to the DMO for marketing. This is expected to generate $280,000 a year.

Board of Directors

The eleven (11) member Board will be made up of eight (8) Directors elected by the Active Members of their respective Industry Classifications, two (2) Directors from the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, and one (1) Director at large.

Members are assigned to the following Industry Classifications:
(a) Accommodation – less than 30 rooms;
(b) Accommodation – more than 30 rooms with rental management;
(c) Accommodation – more than 30 rooms solely owned;
(d) Accommodation at large;
(e) Retail, Banking, Professional Services, Food & Beverage;
(f) Real Estate, Development, Construction, Trades;
(g) Attractions, Activities, Transportation; and
(h) The City of Fernie

Marketing Strategy

Investments in the website, branding, collateral and database development will continue and will benefit all markets.

Financial Plan

The Fernie DMO will generate incremental tourism visitation and spending that will be beneficial to many segments of the Fernie economy including accommodators, attractions, developers, contractors, professionals, retail, restaurants, etc. Accommodators will see immediate impacts of
these efforts as measured in incremental room nights and yield. Attractions, retail and restaurants etc. will see spin-off benefits associated with ancillary spending by visitors to Fernie and developers/trades will see benefits associated with heightened awareness levels of Fernie as a preferred place to reside or own property.